Sport Nation 2As Ruben Amorim prepares to step into the role of Manchester United manager, questions arise about why West Ham United previously opted against appointing the Portuguese coach. Earlier this year, West Ham held discussions with Amorim as a potential successor to David Moyes. Although he flew to London for an interview, the club ultimately decided to retain Moyes until the end of the season and then appointed Julen Lopetegui instead. A closer look reveals why West Ham passed on Amorim, citing concerns over his lack of experience outside of Portugal.
Amorim’s Path to the Premier League
Thirty-nine-year-old Amorim has been a rising star in Portuguese football management. After a brief playing career, he transitioned to management in 2018, starting with Casa Pia before moving to Braga, and then to Sporting Lisbon. His success at Sporting was particularly notable; he won the Portuguese league title twice in his four years with the club, ending a nearly two-decade title drought. This success brought him to the attention of top European clubs, including Manchester United and West Ham United.
When West Ham initially interviewed Amorim in April, the Hammers were looking for a fresh approach. Moyes, though experienced, had been struggling to deliver consistent results, and West Ham saw potential in Amorim’s tactical approach and youth-oriented management style. Despite the appeal, the club ultimately chose to stay with Moyes for the remainder of the season and later brought in Lopetegui, formerly of Sevilla.
Why West Ham Decided Against Amorim
Initially, it was thought that West Ham declined Amorim due to the financial aspects of hiring him, which included an £8.3 million release clause and additional costs for bringing over his coaching staff. However, sources close to the club have since disclosed another reason: West Ham’s concern about Amorim’s lack of experience outside of Portugal.
Though Amorim has managed three clubs in Portugal, including Sporting Lisbon, he has never coached outside his home country. This was a key factor for West Ham’s chairman David Sullivan, who reportedly felt that hiring a coach without international experience posed a significant risk, especially in the challenging and competitive environment of the Premier League. Sullivan’s apprehension about Amorim’s experience level ultimately influenced the club’s decision to explore other options.
According to a source, Amorim made a positive impression during discussions, and talks were generally favorable. Still, West Ham chose to pursue a more established option with international experience in Lopetegui. The club felt that Lopetegui’s track record in European competitions and his experience with various clubs provided a safer and more reliable choice as they sought to strengthen their standing in the league.
The Aftermath of Amorim’s West Ham Interview
Following his meeting with West Ham, Amorim returned to Portugal and publicly addressed the discussions. Surrounded by reporters at the airport, he expressed regret over the timing of the talks, calling it “completely wrong” and apologizing to Sporting Lisbon for the distraction. However, his brief flirtation with a move to England seemed to have little effect on Sporting’s performance; they went on to clinch the Portuguese league title the following month, continuing a strong season.
Amorim’s focus remained with Sporting, where he led the club to a perfect start to the 2024-2025 season, winning all nine of their league fixtures. Sporting fans and club officials were pleased with his achievements, but Amorim’s aspirations for a Premier League role persisted. Now, with Manchester United seeking a fresh approach after parting ways with Erik ten Hag, Amorim is on the brink of joining the Red Devils, a move that could have far-reaching consequences for his career and for United.
West Ham’s Current Season Under Lopetegui
West Ham, under Julen Lopetegui, have had a mixed start to the current season, winning some crucial games but also facing setbacks. In their first nine league matches, the Hammers have encountered four defeats, putting them level on points with Manchester United. Lopetegui’s tactical approach is still being refined, as he works to stabilize the squad and navigate the challenges of the Premier League.
However, West Ham’s recent victory over Manchester United, which ended in a 2-1 scoreline, was seen as a significant achievement. This win ultimately contributed to the dismissal of Ten Hag, whose tenure at United had become increasingly strained due to inconsistent performances and disappointing results. West Ham’s decision to go with Lopetegui instead of Amorim has since sparked curiosity, especially now that Amorim is set to take charge at Old Trafford.
Why Manchester United Opted for Amorim
For Manchester United, the appeal of Ruben Amorim lies in his recent accomplishments and his reputation as an innovative manager. Known for implementing a high-pressing style and promoting young talent, Amorim has been praised for his modern approach to coaching. He is seen as someone capable of rebuilding United’s squad, instilling a fresh, dynamic playing style, and developing young players who can bring long-term success to the club.
Amorim’s prospective appointment comes at a crucial time for United, who are aiming to recover from the struggles they faced under Ten Hag. While his lack of experience outside of Portugal may be a concern for some, United’s management appears confident that his tactical acumen and track record at Sporting can translate well to the English league.
Amorim’s Future in the Premier League
Amorim now faces the challenge of adjusting to the demands of the Premier League, a task that will require quick adaptation and a resilient approach. Despite his limited experience outside of Portugal, he brings a wealth of tactical knowledge and a strong vision for the game. His background in nurturing young talent could also be beneficial for United, especially as they look to build a team capable of competing at both the domestic and European levels.
While Amorim’s journey with United is just beginning, his career trajectory could serve as a lesson for West Ham, who opted for stability with Lopetegui over the potential risk Amorim represented. The coming season will provide insight into whether West Ham’s caution was justified or if they missed an opportunity for transformation.
Reflections on West Ham’s Managerial Choice
For West Ham fans, the decision to pass on Amorim may be a point of ongoing debate, especially if the Portuguese manager finds success at Manchester United. While Lopetegui offers experience and a pragmatic approach, Amorim’s youth and innovation could have brought a different dynamic to West Ham’s squad. In the Premier League, where tactical flexibility and adaptability are crucial, Lopetegui’s traditional methods may be tested as he competes against younger, more modern-minded managers.
As the season progresses, West Ham’s performance under Lopetegui will be scrutinized, and the club’s decision to prioritize experience over potential may be reassessed. For now, West Ham remains committed to their current direction, focusing on incremental improvements and solidifying their position in the league.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Clubs
West Ham’s choice to pass on Ruben Amorim reflects the club’s cautious approach, prioritizing a manager with established credentials in Lopetegui. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s decision to pursue Amorim highlights their willingness to take a calculated risk in pursuit of long-term success. As Amorim steps into his new role, both clubs’ contrasting approaches will be put to the test.
Ultimately, time will reveal the outcomes of these managerial decisions. West Ham’s pursuit of stability may yield steady results, while United’s bold move could either rejuvenate the club or expose the challenges of transitioning a coach with limited international experience. Both paths hold promise and risk, but in the high-stakes world of the Premier League, the margin between success and regret is often razor-thin.
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Amina Umar